Plea bargaining is essential for the functioning of the criminal justice system. In Texas, as in other jurisdictions, there simply aren’t enough resources to handle every felony criminal accusation with a full trial by jury. Plea deals help avoid trials, though they come at a cost for defendants and prosecutors.

A Basic Plea Bargain Situation

Defendant X is charged with assault under Texas law. Based on a prior incident and the circumstances of the most recent arrest, the prosecutor charges the Defendant with a felony of the second degree. Then, the prosecutor offers to change the charge to a lesser offense if Defendant X agrees to plead guilty.

A guilty plea saves the prosecutor the difficulty, expense and uncertainty of a full trial. Defendant X benefits from the lighter penalties associated with the reduced charge. Both sides get something they want, and fewer resources are expended to reach the final result.

The Undeniable Pressure of the Bargaining Process

Nearly everything about the criminal justice system is intimidating for someone accused of a crime. Law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and courtrooms are usually unfamiliar for people outside of the legal profession. For these reasons, plea bargaining calls for the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to judge the merits of a plea deal without extensive experience. You need to balance the value of the offer against your chances of getting an even better outcome if your case goes to trial.

Important Things to Know When Considering a Plea Deal

When you’re facing the possibility of months or years behind bars, making the right decision is vital. Your lawyer can help you through the pressure by providing the information you need. Many times, you will accept a plea deal. Here are two things to know about accepting it.

You Won’t Have the Option of Being Acquitted

If the evidence is on your side, agreeing to a conviction for a lesser offense is still an undesirable outcome. A finding of not guilty or a total dismissal of the charges is the perfect result. Agreeing to a plea deal closes that option.

The Deal is Not Final Until the Court Accepts It

Prosecutors can make you an offer of reduced charges. They can offer to make a recommendation to the court of a lesser sentence. But they cannot force the court to accept their offer. The court has the power to reject any deal reached between the prosecution and the defendant.

The Most Common Path to Conviction

In federal criminal cases, the vast majority of cases end in a plea bargain. The pressure to accept a deal is overwhelming in most cases. Some people consider this state of affairs to be unjust. Fair or not, this is the reality. You need a skilled attorney to protect your rights.

At Lee & Wood, GP, our Texas criminal defense team has extensive knowledge of the law and court system. We can handle even the most complex felony cases. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, call us at 817-678-6771 or contact us online today.

Sometimes, sentences in one case can be wildly different than other, similar cases. Prosecutors sometimes have wide leeway to determine the strength and length of the sentences handed down.

Aggressive prosecution and lengthy sentences make it all the more important to always have a strong defense. If you’re charged with a crime, you’ll need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Factors Affecting Sentencing

There are many factors that can affect the kind of sentence you get, and not just what the crime is:

1. The jurisdiction in charge of prosecuting. (For example, Smith County takes a particularly harsh approach to credit card fraud. There have been several criminal sentences spanning decades for crimes like credit card skimming.)
2. The history of the person convicted. People with more arrests and convictions on their record often receive longer sentences.
3. The circumstances around the crime. For example, some crimes include aggravating factors, such as whether or not a weapon was involved.

Financial Crimes Versus Violent Crimes

Typically, things like financial crimes have more lenient sentences than violent crimes. Financial and other white collar crimes are subject to sentencing guidelines which provide the range of potential penalties for these offenses.

Some advocates believe that financial crime should not lead to extended prison stays. Others argue that the sentence should match the harm done, and some financial crimes have the power to harm hundreds or thousands of people.

Violent crimes like assault are different in several ways. They’re often done on a smaller, more personal scale than financial crimes. The crime and the harm done are easier to explain to a jury. Attitudes toward violent crime may be more fixed and uniform because people feel they understand these crimes.

Because of that, violent crimes tend to be prosecuted harshly. If you’re accused of a crime, you need a strong defense.

Crafting Your Defense

Criminal defense is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The right defense in one case might be very different from the right defense in the next, even if they involve the same criminal charge. Things like jurisdiction can matter as much or more than the actions that led to the charges in the first place.

Your lawyer needs to have the experience, skill and knowledge to take all factors into account. The outcome of your case is not set in stone. Your defense matters, and so does the defense attorney you choose to help you.

Contact Our Knowledgeable Defense Team Today

Every criminal case is important. The outcome of your case can change your life in ways you can’t imagine. At Lee & Wood, GP, our Texas criminal defense attorneys will take your case seriously. We work hard to protect every client to the best of our ability. Contact us today at 817-678-6771 to discuss your criminal defense needs.

A Texas case is drawing attention to the speed of the criminal justice system. A Houston man, Edric Wilson, spent 18 years in Harris County Jail without ever being prosecuted, let alone found guilty. While this case is not typical, the fact that it’s even possible is not acceptable to many.

You’re Guaranteed the Right to a Speedy Trial

The U.S. Constitution guarantees people the right to a speedy trial if they’re accused of a crime. Many jurisdictions have statutes of limitation or other rules that further guarantee the right to a justice system that moves at a certain pace.

But if you’ve been arrested or are facing charges, you might be disappointed with what “speedy” really looks like.

It’s important to remember that it’s not always enough to have rights. You need to be able to assert those rights to truly be protected. Your Texas criminal defense attorney is your best chance at making sure the system moves forward and doesn’t simply forget about you.

Jails vs Prisons: Jails Are Not Built for Lengthy Stays

There are many reasons why spending 18 years in jail is a poor outcome. One of them is the difference between a county jail and a prison. The facilities and rules in place at a jail are not set up for people to be held long-term.
Prisons are not fun places, but they’re built to house people for stays lasting longer, sometimes much longer, than a year. They typically offer things like education, vocational training and other types of rehabilitation.
Most prisons allow some form of access to the outdoors, for example. It may be restricted or denied, depending on the circumstances, but it’s often possible to get outside at least occasionally.
Jails, including Harris County Jail, do not necessarily have that same option. Because the stays are intended to be shorter, it hasn’t been deemed necessary to allow the people held in jails to be outdoors. That’s a small issue for someone held for 10 days. It’s a big issue for someone held for 18 years.

Unavoidable Delays

Even under the best of circumstances, the criminal justice system moves slowly. It’s hard to argue that there are enough judges and courts with enough resources to get through the work they’re expected to do. The end result? People charged with crimes spend many weeks waiting anxiously for the next step toward resolving their case.

Choose an Experienced Texas Defense Attorney

At Lee & Wood, GP, we provide strong, dependable criminal defense services for accusations of assault to wildlife crimes. Our lawyers have handled criminal cases in courts all over the Fort Worth area. We can protect your rights and help make sure your case is handled correctly from start to finish. Contact us today at 817-678-6771.

Many factors control how a criminal case turns out. While statistics may say one thing, it’s never safe to assume your case will end in the most common way. After all, no outcome is guaranteed.

Still, it’s fair to want to know how the most common way criminal defense cases end, especially if you’ve been accused of a crime. Here are the possible results of a criminal case.

Possible Outcomes

Once charges have been filed, a criminal case is likely heading for one of the following outcomes. While these aren’t the only possibilities, the vast majority of cases end in one of these ways.

Dropped Charges

Charges can be dropped by the prosecutor who filed them. A prosecutor could drop charges due to new evidence, uncooperative witnesses or other factors.

Having the charges dropped doesn’t guarantee you won’t be charged again. Still, it can represent a win for you, depending on the circumstances.

Dismissal

Judges have the power to grant a Motion to Dismiss. The best-case scenario is a dismissal with prejudice. That means the judge decided the case in your favor and ruled that the same charges cannot be brought against you again.

A dismissal without prejudice leaves open the possibility that the charges will be brought again in connection with the alleged criminal activity. That could happen if new evidence comes to light. The prosecutor could also change the charges to something better supported by the evidence.

Not Guilty Verdict

Your case could go through the full trial and a judge or jury could conclude that you’re not guilty. This is a good result! You won’t have to serve a sentence, but it does require the full stress and work of the trial.

Guilty Verdict

This is a result you hope to never receive. After the stress of the trial, you’ve been found guilty of the charges and will be sentenced accordingly.

It’s important to note that some states, including Texas, have a trial rate of only 3% (according to an NPR article quoting the American Bar Association). So receiving a verdict in your case, whether guilty or not guilty, is actually somewhat unlikely.

So, what is the most common end to criminal cases? They usually end in plea deals.

Plea Deal

This is, by far, the most common result of criminal charges nationwide. According to that same NPR article, federal criminal court cases end in a plea bargain 98% of the time. While federal courts differ from state courts in many ways, plea bargains are common in both.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Guidance

A plea bargain can be a great result or a terrible one. It depends on the charges, the evidence, the jurisdiction, and countless other factors. Most importantly, it takes an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney to know whether a plea offer is worth considering.

Contact Our Team of Skilled Lawyers Today

At Lee & Wood, LP, our criminal defense lawyers handle felony and misdemeanor cases in Texas state courts. We also handle juvenile offense cases. If you’ve been charged with a crime, we can help you protect your rights. Contact us online or call 817-678-6771 to schedule a consultation.

Juvenile detention facilities serve more than one purpose. Some people regard them as a punishment for people who do bad things. Other people view them as tools to reform young people whose behavior needs to change.

Whatever their purpose, it’s important to make sure the facilities are working as they should: protecting the rights of minors while providing rehabilitation. So, how well does juvenile detention work?

Juvenile Detention and Public Safety

The ultimate goal of juvenile detention should be to make our communities better. That means improved safety, health and harmony for everyone. If the juvenile justice system is failing in that regard, we need to look at ways to make it better.

There are alternatives to juvenile incarceration. Many of the alternatives could do the same job better.

Incarceration Is the Baseline Response

Locking someone up is an extreme action. That’s true for adults, but it’s particularly extreme when talking about underage youth. It should not be our first reflex to incarcerate someone if there are alternatives that accomplish the same goals with less disruption and less money spent.

Unfortunately, incarceration is easier to understand and explain than its alternatives. The downsides are generally ignored. The rampant abuse and horrific conditions in the facilities where people are held are often swept under the rug. People understand incarceration and they don’t care to look into it any further.

Role Models and Leadership

Many alternatives to incarceration involve giving young offenders a mentor or advocate to show them a better way. Youth advocate programs connect young offenders and their families with trained professionals. They establish goals and a tailored plan to help the young person make better choices going forward.

Connecting Offenders With the Consequences of Their Actions

Many of the offenses that land kids in juvenile detention are impulsive, thoughtless acts. Depending on your upbringing, it might be hard to understand the position many young people find themselves in. Many don’t see how their actions impact the people around them or the community at large.

Juvenile detention facilities don’t help kids see the error of their ways. Punishment might make them uncomfortable or angry. However, if they don’t connect it to what they’ve done, it’s unlikely to lead to better outcomes in the future.

Pre-Trial Detention

The moment your child is placed in custody, you need to work to protect their interests. If they are in custody, an experienced defense attorney for young offenders can help get them back with their families. Detention should be avoided, if at all possible. Your lawyer can advocate for your child to keep them safe.

Criminal Defense for Young Offenders

At LEE AND WOOD, GP, our skilled criminal defense attorneys understand the juvenile justice system. We can help you protect your child’s rights. If your child is facing criminal accusations, contact us today to get started on a strong defense.

Artificial intelligence is making its way into almost every aspect of American life. Advocates tout its increased efficiency and reduced errors compared to humans when performing tasks.

While AI certainly has the potential to improve aspects of our society, it is not without the potential to do harm.

Criminal justice is one area where AI should be monitored carefully to ensure it does not infringe on our rights. Law enforcement should not assume that the product of an AI tool will be reliable. And no one should assume its results are consistent with the protections afforded to every American citizen.

Example of Law Enforcement Using Artificial Intelligence Tools

AI has already made its way into criminal justice circles. In late 2024, WIRED magazine reported on the story of Cybercheck technology, a product of Global Intelligence. It is a cautionary tale about turning over vital roles to AI.

Cybercheck was purported to be a tool that could give police a clear picture of where a person was at specific times. This geolocation information supposedly came from a complicated analysis of publicly available sources.

The ability to tell where an accused person was is beneficial if you are trying to connect them to a crime. For that reason, hundreds of law enforcement agencies used it to conduct thousands of searches. At least one case in Texas tried to use a Cybercheck report in court.

The Real Story

While the reports seemed useful, it turns out that the results are highly questionable.

Cybercheck doesn’t retain any data about how it reaches its conclusions. Defense attorneys rightfully want to know what information tied their clients to specific times and places; Global Intelligence cannot provide that. They claim Cybercheck uses public sources, but some experts say this kind of information would not be available without a warrant.

In other cases, the information provided was incorrect. Reports have cited non-existent email addresses or routers that had never had the same name listed in the report.

Phantom Results and the Six-Fingered Man

Large language model (LLM) AI, such as ChatGPT, has the unfortunate tendency to invent statistics and historical facts that are not based on reality. These are called “hallucinations.” Because LLMs perceive patterns, they may recognize a “pattern” that doesn’t actually exist. This leads them to generate inaccurate data.

AI image generators are also notorious for their failure to produce realistic hands and feet. While a hand with three thumbs and 13 total fingers might be amusing, it shows that AI still has serious limitations. Using its output to put people behind bars is not something law enforcement should be considering.

Call for Experienced Texas Criminal Defense Guidance

If you’ve been accused of a crime, it’s important to know whether or not AI is being used as part of your prosecution.

At Lee & Wood, our criminal defense attorneys can give you the strong, intelligent defense you need. We can protect your rights and stand up for you in and out of the courtroom. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

Most people who are convicted and sent to prison will be eligible for parole at some point, but the rules surrounding parole eligibility are complicated. And while there is a path prisoners can follow to shorten their sentences, some groups have pushed to make that option more difficult or even erase it entirely.

In Texas, how much of your prison term should you expect to serve? Our criminal defense attorneys take a look.

Texas Parole Basics

It’s important to recognize that parole is a privilege, not a right. The Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles sets the conditions for parole and makes the final decision about whether someone gets released or not. The Board considers several factors, including any behavior during prior incarceration and institutional adjustment and behavior.

Tying institutional behavior to parole provides an incentive to work on skills that will be valuable after release. When rehabilitation programs, education or work can help shorten a stay behind bars, prisoners have something valuable to work toward. It provides hope and purpose in a place where people really need it.

The Truth in Sentencing Movement

In the 1990s, many states passed legislation under the heading of “Truth in Sentencing.” These TIS laws basically required people convicted of a violent crime (or in some states, all crimes) to serve a substantial portion, usually 85%, of their original sentence before parole could be a possibility.

Victim’s rights groups fought for these laws under the guise of justice. The real impact of these laws is to swell prison populations and make rehabilitation less likely.

Luckily, Texas did not implement a TIS law. Instead, violent offenders in Texas are required to serve at least 50% of their sentence. Then, they can be considered for parole. Other offenders can be considered even earlier.

The Impact of a Long Prison Sentence

Most people can’t imagine what it’s like to be sentenced to years in prison. The stress and pain of a criminal conviction followed by a potentially long period behind bars is hard to bear.

Any tools you can use to make the time more bearable or even productive are valuable. If there are programs available that can shorten your time in prison, that can be a big help in finding direction.

When Arizona stopped allowing prisoners to earn time credits to get paroled sooner, many things changed. Prison rule violations spiked. Fewer prisoners signed up for educational opportunities. More former inmates went on to reoffend and be incarcerated again. Without something to work toward, people don’t stay on track.

Criminal Defense Is Key to Protecting Your Rights

Even at the best of times, prison is not a good place to improve your life. While it’s good for prisons to focus on rehabilitation in an effort to make prisoners and their communities safer, there are better places to turn your life around. You should make every effort to avoid a criminal conviction.

At LEE AND WOOD, GP, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients against all types of charges in Texas courts. To discuss your case, call us at 817-678-6771 or contact us online.

At a fundamental level, the law should reflect the values of the people. When laws come into conflict with what most people want, something is amiss.

And yet, a recent poll suggests that drug possession laws differ substantially from how most Americans believe the issue should be treated. Let’s look at this discrepancy a little more closely.

How Drug Possession Is Treated Now

Texas is one of many states where drug possession can lead to a felony conviction. Even relatively low levels of THC in a vape pen can land someone in prison for up to two years.

Considerations like the type and quantity of the drug in question control whether possession will be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. But in every case, drug possession charges are serious business.

American Attitudes Toward Drug Possession

A 2024 poll gathered data on how Americans believe substance use disorders should be treated.

The poll found that 75% believe the issue should be approached as a public health problem rather than a criminal one. And yet, while most Americans are more interested in ways to treat people with drug problems, the law focuses largely on punishment.

Punishment Has Unintended Consequences

The War on Drugs is widely considered a failed policy. It has not decreased drug use. It has not prevented crime. It has not helped communities improve their safety and health outcomes. Punishment does not deter drug use or help people who have fallen under the influence of illicit substances.

Worse, punishment actually increases drug overdose deaths. Prior incarceration increases the overdose rate by a large margin. Once people have been jailed for drugs, they are less likely to seek proper medical care for drug-related problems.

Jails and prisons are not good places to deal with a substance use disorder. Victims of these disorders are unlikely to get the treatment or care they need while incarcerated. Drug use and overdoses continue to be a problem in many jails despite the efforts taken to prevent them.

Take Drug Charges Seriously

Public attitudes about drugs and drug use are growing more sympathetic. That public sentiment can be beneficial, but it won’t help someone charged with a drug crime. It’s important to remember that police and prosecutors take drug crimes seriously in Texas. If you’ve been arrested or charged, you need a strong defense to protect your rights.

Contact an Experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

At Lee & Wood, GP, we provide the skilled representation Texas clients need. If you have been charged with a crime, our lawyers can work with you to put up a well-crafted defense. Contact us online or call us at 817-678-6771 to discuss your case.